Illinois Institute of Technology Experts Select Malvern’s Zetasizer Nano ZS

Dr Whaley Bishnoi and her team specialise in tunable nanoparticle sensors that look at local pH on an intercellular level. They use the Zetasizer Nano to measure the hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of these plasmonic nanoparticles. As experts in surface chemistry, they rely on being able to collect robust measurements of critical parameters quickly and easily.

Malvern said that by freeing the user from requiring specialist knowledge of the dynamic light scattering measurement technique itself, the Zetasizer Nano enables the Illinois team to continue in research that may ultimately facilitate fast screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Dr Whaley Bishnoi, assistant professor of Chemistry at the Illinois Institute of Technology, said: “Particle size and surface charge are critical to the tunability of the plasmonic nanoshells we work with. We want to create tools that function at the bionanotechnology interface. By tailoring the surface chemistry of gold-silica nanoparticles with a pH sensitive molecule and a targeting molecule, we can deliver functionalised nanoshells that will selectively bind with human cancer cells. These can then be tracked in vitro using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).

“A laboratory instrument should be a tool to understand the science you want to do, it should not be about understanding the measuring technique. We do not want to produce DLS experts; we want to carry out measurements relevant to our speciality – surface chemistry. Whenever I have a question about light scattering or zeta potential testing Malvern always has the answer and the information is highly accessible. From a customer service point of view Malvern goes way beyond other companies.”